A large crowd gathered recently to mark Breast Cancer Awareness and World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2026 under the theme “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care.”
Survivors, health professionals, leaders and community members came together to raise awareness and push for better care for people living with serious illness.
Dr Paul Myres, Chairman of Starlight Oasis of Hope Hospice, gave a moving address. He reminded those present that everyone faces difficulties, and that all of us will one day face illness or loss.
“Many people in this country with long-term illness are suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They are not getting the support that they need. It does not have to be that way,” said Myres.
He had two clear requests for parliamentarians. First, he urged lawmakers to make palliative care a core part of the country’s health system, not an extra service only for those who can afford it.
He explained that in countries where governments support, fund and promote palliative care, people with life-limiting illness can live with dignity and less pain. Second, he called on leaders to act now, instead of waiting until they or their loved ones fall ill.
“Let us now work to improve the prospects of those who have life-limiting illness at this moment and those in the future,” he said.
Myres stressed that palliative care helps people live as fully as possible, even when a cure is not possible. He added that it also supports families, not only patients.
He thanked everyone for taking part in the awareness walk and spoke about the daily struggle faced by people with cancer or other serious illness:
“For many people, climbing a hill is a daily struggle. We want to help flatten that hill.”
Member of Parliament Makhalanyane Mokhothu, who is Chairperson of the Chairpersons of the National Assembly Portfolio Committees, spoke about the major challenge that non-communicable diseases such as cancer pose for the country.
He pointed to a lack of equipment and trained staff, for example for endoscopy, which makes early detection and treatment difficult. He called for better planning and investment to improve care and reduce unnecessary suffering.
‘Mamokete Ntšekhe, the Minister of Health said the walk from the Ministry of Health to the National Assembly symbolised the country’s shared commitment to a more compassionate Lesotho, where everyone receives care with dignity and respect.
She said breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Lesotho, after cervical cancer. However, she noted that early detection and proper treatment can save lives. She encouraged everyone to learn the warning signs and to seek medical help if they notice any changes.
The Minister also challenged the media to fight misinformation. She urged men and boys to support women, and reminded everyone that breast cancer can affect anyone.
Speaking directly to cancer survivors, she expressed deep respect for their courage and resilience.
“Your experiences remind us that with support, appropriate care, and collaboration, hope still remains,” she said.
She added that healthcare is not only about treating disease, but also about relieving suffering and protecting human dignity. She called for palliative care to be recognised as essential for improving the quality of life of people living with serious illness and for supporting their families.
Summary
- He urged lawmakers to make palliative care a core part of the country’s health system, not an extra service only for those who can afford it.
- He thanked everyone for taking part in the awareness walk and spoke about the daily struggle faced by people with cancer or other serious illness.
- ‘Mamokete Ntšekhe, the Minister of Health said the walk from the Ministry of Health to the National Assembly symbolised the country’s shared commitment to a more compassionate Lesotho, where everyone receives care with dignity and respect.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
